AC-18 Wireless Access
High-Level Description
Family: Access Control (AC)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Wireless technologies include microwave, packet radio (ultra-high frequency or very high frequency), 802.11x, and Bluetooth. Wireless networks use authentication protocols that provide authenticator protection and mutual authentication.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AC-18 implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.
Step 2: Validate Implementation
# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly
# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null
Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness
Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.
Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Usage |
|---|
| cloud-audit-mcp | Check IAM policies and access controls | cloud_audit_iam_policies |
| hackbrowser-mcp | Test web application access controls | browser_auth_test |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Establish configuration requirements, connection requirements, and implementation guidance for each type of wireless access; and
Authorize each type of wireless access to the system prior to allowing such connections.
Implementation Guidance
Wireless technologies include microwave, packet radio (ultra-high frequency or very high frequency), 802.11x, and Bluetooth. Wireless networks use authentication protocols that provide authenticator protection and mutual authentication.
Risk Assessment
| Finding | Severity | Impact |
|---|
| AC-18 Wireless Access not implemented | High | Access Control |
| AC-18 partially implemented | Medium | Incomplete Access Control |
CWE Categories
| CWE ID | Title |
|---|
| CWE-284 | Improper Access Control |
References
Checklist
